Age-Wise Style: Why the Turtleneck is the Secret to Feeling Good About Your Neck

Updated on October 1, 2015 @ 02:45PM

Age Wise Style Lead — Photo: Imaxtree (2), Getty Images

Once in a great while, fashion and good fortune converge to deliver a trend that is both appealing and wearable. This is the season of the high-neck and for that, I am very grateful. I used to love my neck because it’s long—but it’s gone from smooth to sinewy to saggy seemingly overnight. There isn’t much you can do about it unless you are willing to spend a lot of money and endure a fair amount of discomfort. No thanks, but I will happily invest in some of the turtleneck tops and dresses that are everywhere right now.

A lot of designers showed white turtlenecks layered underneath crewneck sweaters, dresses, and blazers. For some reason this looks very new and it’s an easy update as long as the turtleneck is very thin and fitted. J. Crew, Three Dot, and Madewell make great affordable ones. A few brands even revived “the dicky,” which is essentially a turtleneck without a shirt attached to create the illusion of layers without the bulk.

Shop it: Cédric Charlier, $128; matchesfashion.com.

A turtleneck dress has the added benefit of creating a very long line, from to chin to hem, which can be slimming.

Shop it (from left): Dolce & Gabbana, $1,637; matchesfashion.com. Tibi, $595; net-a-porter.com. Alice + Olivia, $433; mytheresa.com.

And there are some terrific novelty turtlenecks with unique details such as embellishments, buttons, and cut-outs that negate the need for jewelry.

Shop it (from left): Tory Burch, $495; toryburch.com. Stella McCartney, $705; matchesfashion.com. Alexander Wang, $850; net-a-porter.com.

Finally, for the classicist, you can’t go wrong with a striped or solid knit in a wool, cashmere or a blend. You will wear it forever; it will keep you cozy; and it can save you from the surgeon’s knife or laser’s sting. Few garments are so worthy!